Born Walter Matthow in New York City; educated at the Columbia School of Journalism and the Dramatic Workshop of the New School for Social Research, New York. Screen-tested for the part of Richard Sherman in THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH (1955). After seeing his test, director Billy Wilder believed he had found his leading man. Unfortunately 20th Century-Fox were unwilling to take a risk on an unknown newcomer. Because of this, the role went to Tom Ewell, who had originated the role on Broadway. Entered films in 1955 with THE KENTUCKIAN after prolonged stage work and acting on television. He's best known for his wry, comic portrayals in films such as THE FORTUNE COOKIE (1966), THE ODD COUPLE (1968) and THE SURVIVORS (1983). Matthau was equally memorable in several straight roles, including the cynical, Kissinger-like advisor in FAIL-SAFE (1964) and the embittered title character in the ironically named thriller, THE LAUGHING POLICEMAN (1974). He directed one film, GANGSTER STORY (1960). Matthau and Jack Lemmon acted together in 10 movies: THE FORTUNE COOKIE (1966), THE ODD COUPLE (1968), THE FRONT PAGE (1974), BUDDY BUDDY (1981), JFK (1991), GRUMPY OLD MEN (1993), THE GRASS HARP and GRUMPIER OLD MEN (both 1995), OUT TO SEA (1997) and THE ODD COUPLE II (1998). Lemmon also directed Matthau to an Oscar® nomination in KOTCH (1971). Matthau was married to Grace Geraldine Johnson from 1948 to 1958. After they divorced, he married sometime-actress Carol Grace in 1959, and they remained married until his death in 2000. Their son is actor/director Charles Matthau (b. 1962), who directed his father in THE GRASS HARP (1995). Visit the Internet Movie Database for a listing of Matthau's extensive film and television credits.  Supporting Actor 1966: THE FORTUNE COOKIE  Nominated for Actor 1971: KOTCH  Nominated for Actor 1975: THE SUNSHINE BOYS 3 nominations, 1 Award